Lamborghini Murcielago

The LP670-4 will never be mistaken for an "ordinary" Murcielago. Its redesigned front include a larger front spoiler and larger air inlets to help cool the front brakes. In the rear, customers can choose between a small wing or the optional "Aeropack Wing" - a large, fixed, carbon-fiber wing mounted on two carbon-fiber brackets. The new aerodynamic set-up provides a significant boost to directional stability at the very highest speeds. The top-speed downforce on the Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce with Aeropack is strongly increased. The downside is the Aeropack Wing reduces top speed to 209mph. Considering most of these will never see above 200mph, the decision will probably come down to aesthetic taste. The twelve-cylinder engine is presented as an engineering masterpiece under a transparent engine bonnet that boasts a completely new architecture. Hexagonal polymer plates made from transparent polycarbonate are set on three levels within a carbon fiber framework. The layers are open towards the rear, playing a key role in the thermodynamics of the high-performance engine.

The Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce delivers its extreme power to the road with great reliability - assured by its permanent all-wheel drive. Before the rear wheels spin, the viscous coupling sends up to 35 percent of driving force via its additional shaft to the front wheels. The front and rear limited-slip differentials are set at 25 and 45 percent. With its four driven wheels and traction, the Murcielago delivers a decisive advantage over rear-wheel drive sports cars when it comes to accelerating out of a corner - and always with maximum stability.

Lamborghini introduces an even better Murcielago in the LP640 with the LP standing for its engine position - longitudinale posteriore - and 640 for its horsepower.  Almost everything has been improved from the engine, suspensions, gearbox, exhaust system, brakes and electronics.  The increased bore and longer stroke have boosted the displacement of the classic 60" V-engine from 6.2 litres to 6.5 litres resulting in a 60 HP increase to  640 HP @ 8000 RPM and an increase of peak torque to 487 ft-lbs. at 6000 RPM.  The result is a 0-62MPH time of 3.4 seconds which is .4 seconds faster than the normal Murcielago.   

Driving, handling and stability at high speed are enhanced by new springs and stabilisers, as well as by a redesigned electronically controlled damper. The "antidive" and "anti-squat" features on the axles, which efficiently prevent so-called "brake diving" and "squatting", have not been changed. The two springs on every rear wheel, the single spring on every front wheel and the damper are placed coaxially. The new aluminium "Hermera" rims measure 8 " x 18" (fore carriage) and 13" x 18" (rear axle). The vehicle can be fitted with various sized Pirelli P Zero "Rosso" tyres. The Murcielago LP640 features 245/35 ZR 18 front tyres and 335/30 ZR 18 rear tyres. For sports use, especially on racetracks, Lamborghini provides optional Pirelli P Zero &quotCorsa" (Race) tyres. Pirelli P &quotSottozero" (Sub zero) winter tyres are currently being developed.  Optional carbon ceramic brakes are also available. 

Styling wise, the LP640 features revised front and rear bumpers with the exhaust system terminal incorporated into the rear bumper.  On the side, while the air intake on the right is practically closed, the left side is wide open to cool the oil radiator.  A clear engine cover is also available to show off the beauty that is 12 cylinders.  Lightweight 18inch "Hamera" wheels have also been added. 

Lamborghini's replacement for the unreplaceable Diablo.  Many, including myself, thought it was impossible for Lamborghini to produce a better car but it has with the Murcielago.    A Murcielago is the name of a fighting bull and translates to bat in Spanish.   Its 580 HP V12 will be capable of destroying almost anything on the road at a top speed of 205 MPH. 

Lamborghinis were known for astonishing performance but at the cost of ride quality and easiness to drive.  As the first supercar produced by Lamborghini under the helm of Audi, the Murcielago starts to break that image.  The clutch is light and the gearbox makes shifting easier.  Handling is also vastly improved and the Murcielago features a computer controlled suspension with 4 levels of firmness.  Another interesting feature is the trip computer which keeps track of average speed, max speed, and max acceleration.  Better hope the cops don't figure out how to use it.